The Assam government has approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enforce the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950. The move is aimed at detecting and deporting illegal foreigners more effectively.

Assam Chief Minister’s Statement

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after the cabinet meeting. He called it a landmark step for Assam.

He explained that the Supreme Court, through a Constitutional Bench, gave Assam the authority to use the 1950 Act to identify and deport foreigners.

Key Features of the SOP

The new guidelines include:

• The Deputy Commissioner will give 10 days to a suspected individual to prove citizenship.

• If the person fails, the Deputy Commissioner will order evacuation.

• The person will then be deported from Assam.

• If the Deputy Commissioner cannot decide, the case will go to a Foreigners’ Tribunal.

Importance of the Decision

Sarma said Assam had never implemented this Act before. With the Supreme Court’s mandate, the government can now act against illegal immigrants more easily.

He stressed that the law will be applied “in letter and spirit”, ensuring quick action and stronger control.

A Historic Step for Assam

Calling it a historic move, the Chief Minister said the SOP will help Assam tackle illegal immigration and protect its borders.